Resveratrol Benefits

In the world of health and nutrition, it’s almost unheard of to be urged to drink alcohol, but experts have given the thumbs up to red wine, verifying that in moderation it has a positive effect on health. In this blog we uncover the scientific findings on how a compound known as resveratrol which occurs naturally within the skins of red grapes, can be responsible for those health benefits. We also highlight alternative sources of resveratrol to help you decide which one may be best for you.

What Scientists Discovered

Two Frenchmen, Serge Renaud, a scientist from the University of Bordeaux, and cardiologist Michel de Lorgeril, are jointly credited with bringing the concept known as the ‘French Paradox’ to public attention. Their research suggests that moderate consumption of red wine may help lower the rate of coronary heart disease.

Their first study was published in the Lancet medical journal and their research was based on observations that the people of France have lower rates of heart disease compared to other Western countries despite consuming a diet high in saturated fat. Their theory was that this may be due to the population having a correspondingly regular consumption of wine.

This landmark study was entitled Wine, alcohol, platelets and the French paradox for coronary heart disease, and the findings created a great deal of interest in the possibility of health benefits resulting from moderate red wine consumption.

Renaud and De Lorgeril were the first researchers to attribute potential health benefits of wine polyphenols such as resveratrol to the moderate consumption of wine and since then scientific interest has resulted in further investigation into its biological activity and potential.

It has been stressed by medics and nutritionists that ‘moderate’ in terms of how much red wine is needed for health purposes applies to one small glass per day. It is firmly noted that drinking more than two glasses or getting through a whole bottle is a dangerous practice, leading to alcohol addiction, possible liver damage and other health problems.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol, a biologically active compound synthesised by plants which are subjected to infectious or ironizing radiation. In 1940 resveratrol was first isolated from the roots of the white hellebore, and in 1963 it was found in the roots of the plant called Polygonum cuspidatum, commonly known as Japanese knotweed.

Japanese knotweed has long been traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese medicine as an anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet agent. Resveratrol has been found in over 70 plant species, including blueberries, cranberries, dark chocolate (cacao), and peanuts, but the highest concentrations are present in Japanese knotweed and in the skin of grapes. It is possible to get small amounts of resveratrol by eating high cocoa solids dark chocolate and by drinking grape juice if you would prefer not to drink wine.

There are two different types of resveratrol:

• Cis-resveratrol – from wine, berries and dark chocolate.
• Trans-resveratrol – mainly from Japanese knotweed, often used in supplements.

Both types of resveratrol have the same chemical composition, but each have different molecular structures.

Trans-resveratrol is more potent and biologically active than cis-resveratrol and may have more powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

How Does Resveratrol Help Health?

Pre-clinical studies (lab animal studies) have found that resveratrol provides a beneficial effect on the body’s fight against autoimmune disorders and cancer. So far little is known about the effects of resveratrol on human immune cells. However, a clinical trial was undertaken amongst healthy Japanese participants where repeated doses of 1000 mg/day were given. Findings showed resveratrol to be well tolerated and resulted in significant increases in the number of circulating T-cells (white blood cells which help the immune system fight disease). Findings also showed small yet significant decreases in plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (proteins that can cause inflammation).

This in vitro study showed that resveratrol significantly improved the growth of T-cells, and the findings mean that resveratrol has a clear biological effect on human circulating immune cells. Further studies are necessary to assess long-term immunological changes associated with resveratrol treatment, but the outcome looks positive.

Key Resveratrol Benefits for Health

Research indicates that resveratrol possesses several health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties. These benefits are thought to be mainly due to its ability to activate a protein known as SIRT1 which plays an important role in cellular longevity and stress resistance.

Cardiovascular

Studies have found that resveratrol may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries) by reducing blood pressure, and inhibiting platelet formation.

Antioxidant

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant with the potential to protect cells from free radical damage which can lead to early ageing and chronic diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory

Research has found that resveratrol can suppress inflammatory pathways, helping manage conditions associated with chronic inflammation such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Neuroprotective

It is believed that resveratrol may have helpful effects on brain health by enhancing cerebral blood flow and acting as a neuroprotective element, particularly in the case of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite results to date being inconsistent, there are some studies which show significant improvements in cognitive performance with resveratrol supplementation.

Cancer

Research has found that resveratrol may inhibit cell and tumour growth in certain cancers.

Metabolic Health

Research has found indications that resveratrol can improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles which could help in managing diabetes. It would also seem that resveratrol may help control obesity.

Ageing and Longevity

Animal studies indicate that resveratrol may help to extend lifespan by activating sirtuin proteins which are involved in cell ageing. It is believed that resveratrol’s potential in slowing the aging process is due to its ability to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

While these findings are promising, many studies are still at the preclinical stage so further research is necessary.

Resveratrol as A Dietary Supplement

Our supplement, Trans-Resveratrol & Quercetin, is a blend of trans-resveratrol, a 98% Japanese knotweed extract and quercetin, another powerful antioxidant sourced from Japanese pagoda flower. Quercetin helps to increase the bioavailability of trans-resveratrol.

Because antioxidants are so vital for fighting the effects of ageing and inflammation, also reducing the damage caused by rampaging free radicals, this supplement is a powerful one-capsule-a-day defence kit for keeping your immune system fired up to protect you from the effects of ageing and chronic inflammation.

Possible Side Effects

While there are very few safety cautions to taking resveratrol as a dietary supplement, it is noted that if taken in excess it may cause:

• Diarrhoea and nausea.
• Liver dysfunction in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Increase risk of adverse effects of certain drugs including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Our Promise

When it comes to keeping you informed on health and nutrition, we’re here for you and aim to help where we can. If you would like to discuss any aspect of using natural supplements, or would find advice helpful, please feel free to contact us on 01297 553932.